Knowing how to apply cologne is an art form. If not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. Cologne should be applied sparingly and in the right places. It should be applied to the pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and chest, as the heat generated in these areas will help the fragrance to diffuse throughout the day. It is recommended to hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the body when applying and to start with a light application, adding more if needed. Rubbing the cologne into the skin should be avoided, as this can make the scent fade faster. Applying cologne to the clothes is not advisable, as it prevents the scent from mixing with the natural oils of the body and can also damage certain fabrics.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of sprays | Start with one or two sprays and build up if necessary |
Where to apply | Pulse points such as wrists, neck, chest, and behind the ears |
When to apply | After a shower, to clean skin |
How to apply | Spray from several inches away, or dab very sparingly |
Re-application | Only if required, and keep it light |
Mixing with other smells | Avoid mixing cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave |
What You'll Learn
Apply to pulse points
Applying cologne to your pulse points is an effective way to make your fragrance last longer and smell better throughout the day. Pulse points are areas of your body that emit a lot of heat, and this warmth will help your cologne to diffuse and create your signature scent.
The best spots to spray cologne on the body are the wrists, neck, chest, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas will allow the fragrance to continue smelling good all day long. When applying cologne to your wrists, spray or dab the cologne onto your pulse points and then rub your wrists together. This will help to spread the scent evenly and ensure that it lasts longer.
It is important to remember that you should not apply cologne to every pulse point at the same time, as this can result in an overwhelming scent. Choose a few spots and keep the application subtle. One or two sprays or dabs of cologne on your pulse points should be enough, and you can always add more later if needed.
In addition to applying cologne to your pulse points, it is also important to consider the concentration of your fragrance. Colognes with higher concentrations of perfume oils will be stronger and tend to last longer, but they may not be suitable for all occasions. For a more subtle or short-lived scent, opt for a cologne with a lower concentration.
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Don't spray on clothes
Spraying cologne on your clothes is a common mistake. It is not advisable to spray cologne on your clothes because it prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. This can also prevent the scent from going through its scent stages, rendering the scent flat and monochrome.
Spraying cologne directly on your clothing can also be harmful to some fabrics and cause staining or discolouration. The oils in a fragrance will stain many fabrics. The fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, which helps to enhance and prolong the scent.
If you want your cologne to last longer, keep it in its original box as light exposure over a period of time can cause fragrances to deteriorate. You can also choose to keep them in a dark drawer or cabinet, but avoid exposing them to direct sunlight if possible.
Fluctuations in temperature can also shorten the lifetime of a fragrance. Storing cologne in the bathroom will likely increase the likelihood of spoiling. The fluctuations in temperature and humidity can destroy the molecular integrity of the fragrance. Another place to avoid storing your cologne is in your car, where temperatures can fluctuate rapidly.
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Apply to clean skin
Applying cologne to clean skin is the best way to ensure that the scent lasts a long time. The best time to apply cologne is immediately after a shower, as the hot water will have cleansed your skin and opened your pores, providing a good base for the cologne.
When applying cologne, hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your body and spray it onto one or two spots, such as your neck, wrists, or behind your ears. These spots are known as pulse points, and they are the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will help the fragrance to continue smelling good all day long.
If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the opening of the bottle with your finger, tip it upside down, then right it and put it down. Dab the liquid onto your finger and apply it to the desired area. One small dab is enough; there's no need to double-dab.
It's important not to rub the cologne into your skin after application, as this can change the scent and make it fade faster. Simply spray or dab it on and let it dry.
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Hold bottle 3-6 inches away
Holding the cologne bottle the correct distance from your body is crucial to applying the right amount of cologne. If you hold the bottle too close, you risk over-applying, and if you hold it too far away, you will likely under-apply. The optimal distance is generally considered to be between 3 and 6 inches from your body.
Holding the bottle 3-6 inches away helps to ensure a light application, which is key to avoiding over-application. When applying cologne, choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and start with one spray. You can always add another spray to a different area if you notice that the scent fades quickly. It's also a good idea to ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as it's easy to become nose-blind to scents you wear often.
In addition to holding the bottle the correct distance away, it's important to apply cologne to the right areas of the body. Target the pulse points or heated areas of the body, such as the neck, wrists, chest, forearms, or inner elbows. These areas produce a lot of body heat, which will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create your signature scent.
By holding the bottle 3-6 inches away and applying to the right areas, you can achieve a subtle and balanced application of cologne that enhances your image without being overpowering.
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Don't rub it in
One of the most common mistakes when applying cologne is rubbing it into the skin. This changes the way the cologne smells and makes the scent fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. Instead of rubbing the cologne, just spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin.
When applying cologne, hold the bottle a few inches from your body and give yourself a light spritz. If your bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the cologne from your finger onto the area where you wish to apply it.
Apply cologne to your pulse points. These are the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. The insides of your wrists are a good spot, as is your neck and chest. Choose one or two spots, and keep it subtle.
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